Adapting Public Policy to a Labour Market in Transition

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W. Craig Riddell and France St-Hilaire (eds.)January 2001

After two decades of rapid technological and structural change and an overall record of poor economic performance, Canadians need to take stock of the ongoing transformation of the labour market and its implications for public policy. Indeed, the fundamental changes to the nature of work itself suggest that labour and social policies established decades ago may no longer be adequate or appropriate. Moreover, the continuing perception of increased instability and worsening employment outcomes, and the growing concern over increased earnings inequality and labour market polarization, have raised serious questions about the role of government not only in addressing the consequences of economic adjustment but also in facilitating or, worse, hampering this process. Several leading labour market specialists were asked to examine specific areas of public policy that have generated considerable attention and debate in recent years. This collection of studies is the result of their work. It provides new evidence on issues of utmost concern to the well-being of Canadians and a solid assessment of the challenges and avenues for policy reform.